Children's event highlights at the 2013 Edinburgh Book Festival

Malorie Blackman, Neil Gaiman, Louise Rennison, Michelle Paver among the childrens authors at the Book Festival

Malorie BlackmanRecently appointed Children’s Laureate, Blackman writes novels that consider social and ethical issues for children of all ages. If that wasn’t enough, she’s also written episodes of Byker Grove and been name-checked in a Tinie Tempah song. 24 Aug.

Michelle Paver is a writer who can brilliantly evoke ancient times, effortlessly immersing her readers in wonderful adventures. Her latest series is set in the Mediterranean during the Bronze Age; the second book, The Burning Shadow, features awful humans, angry ghosts, corpses that won’t stay dead and a pod of dolphins.

Gadzooks! It’s Louise Rennison, author of The Confessions of Georgia Nicolson, and here to talk about her latest series of brilliantly funny and excruciatingly recognisable stories of school, friends and love in The Taming of the Tights. It's another term for Tallulah and her mates. But can they keep their minds on the…

Subtly haunting, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a fable that reshapes modern fantasy involving ancient powers, dark creatures and three strange women on a farm at the end of a lane. Long-awaited by fans, this new novel by Neil Gaiman weaves together the complex nature of childhood experience and memory and is…

French artist and writer Barroux discovered the diaries of a First World War soldier in a skip in Paris. Intrigued and moved, he set about turning them into a beautiful and honest account of life during and after the war. Cathy Brett’s latest illustrated novel tells the story of Esther who discovers letters sent by a…

A new novel by Malorie Blackman is a much anticipated event by anyone who has had the pleasure of reading her work and in recognition of her talents as an author, she has just been made the new Children’s Laureate. Noble Conflict is a gripping fantasy, set years after war has destroyed much of the world. The story’s hero…

French writer and artist Barroux found the diary of a First World War soldier in a Paris skip. This story is, in itself, quite something but Barroux took the incredibly honest and moving diary entries and translated them into a visually stunning graphic novel, On Les Aura!. Join him, in conversation with fellow writer and…

Discover the distinctive genius of Neil Gaiman and his latest story, Fortunately, the Milk. Neil’s books for young readers never shy away from the odd, surreal or quirky which makes them attractive for stage and film adaptation. Join Neil and Vicky Featherstone, Artistic Director at the Royal Court, to talk wolves…

Margaret Atwood and Neil Gaiman each have legions of readers across the world. They are both on a fearless mission to cross traditional literary boundaries, producing sci-fi, graphic novels, literature and children’s books without hesitation. In this unique and unmissable event, Queen Margaret and King Neil share stories…

Mr Leon’s Paris is the most delightful and wonderful illustrated picture book about taxi driver Mr Leon. Join author and illustrator Barroux to hear about Mr Leon and all the people who ride in his taxi from all parts of the world. But will Mr Leon ever visit these far flung and exotic places? Come for stories and the…

Every day people are imprisoned for writing critically about their government or country. In 1983 Amnesty International presented an Appeal for a Universal Amnesty for All Prisoners of Conscience to the United Nations. Today, we pay tribute to writers who have been persecuted for their words, thoughts, and opinions by…

Over its 76 issues The Sandman has become one of the most influential comics of the modern era. It is a dark, literary fantasy series that tantalises readers with hints of a nightmare just beyond our vision. In this event, Neil Gaiman is interviewed by graphic novelist and illustrator Hannah Berry and together they…

As part of our series of free drop-in activities in the Baillie Gifford Story Box, this is a unique opportunity to draw along with popular French illustrator Barroux, author of Mr Leon’s Paris, the delightful tale of a taxi driver’s journey around Paris. From buses to bicycles, join Barroux in creating a piece of artwork…